LETTERS 


'WVd 


missionaries 

And  other  Information  concerning  their 

LA-BOns  I3Sr  JiABA.KT, 

Under  the  auspices  of  the  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners for  Foreign  Missions  of  the 

Reformed  Church  in  the  United  States. 


S&-T/ie  Pasiors,  to  whom  this  pamphlet  is  sent,  are  most 
earnestly  requested  to  read  and  circulate  the  same  amons:  their 
people,  and  call  their  prayerful  attention  to  its  contents. 

Remit  to  the  Treasurer,  if  agreeable,  thirty  cents,  by 
postdl  7iote^  for  this  package. 


Published  by  order  of  the  Executive  Committee. 


hareisburg 

ihe  hahrisbueg  telegraph  print. 


2 


Two,  only,  of  the  following  letters  have  been  published  in 
our  church  papers,  but  as  many  thousands  of  our  members 
unfortunately  do  not  take  a church  paper,  the  Executive 
Committee  resolved  to  present  them,  with  other  statistics,  in 
pamphlet  form. 

It  is  of  the  highest  importance  that  they  should  be  read 
with  prayerful  consideration.  It  is  believed  that  we  have 
been  guided  in  the  selection  of  our  missionaries  by  a special 
Providence.  Now  that  the  church  has  entered  upon  the  work 
and  its  missionaries  have  met  with  such  encouraging  success, 
it  behooves  Ministers,  Elders,  Deacons,  and  people  to  sec- 
ond their  efforts  by  fervent  prayer  and  liberal  contributions. 

A lot  of  ground  must  be  purchased,  and  a suitable  school 
building  erected  thereon,  as  soon  as  sufficient  funds  are 
furnished.  To  this  end  we  earnestly  request  our  pastors  to 
use  every  means  within  their  power  to  give  their  respective 
congregations  information  on  the  subject,  and  to  secure 
increased  contributions.  This  has  been  done  by  many  of 
our  pastors,  and  their  charges  have  nobly  responded.  Let 
their  example  be  followed  by  their  brethren  in  the  ministry, 
and  the  people  will  cheerfully  contribute  what  may  be  re- 
quired. The  Lord  has  so  blessed  the  efforts  of  these  faith- 
ful pastors  that,  up  to  this  time,  the  treasurer  has  been  able 
to  meet  all  demands,  and  the  Board  of  Commissioners  is 
now,  as  it  has  always  heretofore  been,  free  from  debt.  Its 
past  policy  in  this  respect  must  not  be  changed.  Our  people 
have  abundant  means  to  support  a much  more  extensive 
work,  and  all  that  is  required  by  them,  is  to  have  an  intel- 
ligent knowledge  of  the  wants  of  the  mission,  and  of  the 
spiritual  destitution  of  those  among  whom  our  beloved 
missionaries  are  laboring. 

Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions  of  the  Re- 
forrried  Church  in  the  United  States. 

President — Rev.  David  Van  Horne,  D.  D., 
Vice-President — Rev.  Clement  Z.  Weiser,  D.  D., 
Secretary — Rev.  Thomas  S.  Johnston,  D.  D., 

Rev.  Nicholas  Gehr,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  H.  A.  Bomberger, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  Benjamin  Bausman,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Samuel  G. 
Wagner,  D.  D.,  Rev.  A.  Carl  Whitmer,  Elder  Golds- 
borough  S.  Griffith,  Elder  Benjamin  Kuhns,  Elder  Wil- 
liam H.  Seibert,  Elder  Rudolph  F.  Kelker,  Treasurer. 


3 


Names  and present  post-office  address  of  our  missionaries. 

Rev.  Ambrose  D.  Gring,  28  Tsukiji,  Tokio,  Japan. 

Rev.  Jairus  P.  Moore,  No.  50  Kami  Nibancho,  Tokio, 
Japan. 

Rev.  William  E.  Hoy,  No.  16  Minami  Machi  Tori, 
Sendai,  Miyagi  Ken,  Japan. 

Miss  Lizzie  R.  Poorbaugh  and  Miss  Mary  B.  Ault,  No. 
35  Higashi  Yobancho,  Sendai,  Miyagi  Ken,  Japan. 

Rates  of  Postage  to  Japan  : Letters  5 cents  a half  ounce, 
or  fraction  thereof;  Postal  Cards  2 cents  each ; Registra- 
tion fee  TO  cents  ; Printed  Matter  and  samples  of  Merchan- 
dize, I cent  for  each  two  ounces,  or  fraction  thereof. 

Joint  Schedule  showing  sailing  of  Steamers  of  the  Occi- 
dental and  Oriental  Steamship  Company,  and  the  Pacific 
Mail  Steamship  Co77ipany,  between  San  Fra7tcisco  and 
Yokohama.  Distance  from  Sa7i  Francisco  to  Yokohama, 
4,800  miles,  and  fro7n  Yokohama  to  Sendai,  about  2po 
miles. 


STEAMER. 

OUTWARD. 

HOMEWARD. 

Leave 

SAN  FRANCISCO 
2 P.  M. 

Arrive 

YOKOHAMA 

about 

Leave 

YOKOHAMA 

about 

Arrive 

SAN  FRANCISCO 
about 

1887. 

1887. 

1887. 

1887. 

Belgic, 

Jan.  II 

Feb. 

I 

March 

5 

March 

21 

City  of  Peking,  . . . 

Jan.  22 

Feb. 

12 

March  16 

April 

1 

San  Pablo, 

Feb.  I 

Feb. 

22 

March  26 

April 

II 

City  of  Sydney,  . . . 

Feb.  12 

March 

5 

April 

6 

April 

22 

Oceanic, 

Feb.  24 

March  17 

April 

IS 

May 

1 

City  of  Rio  de  Janerio,. 

March  5 

March  26 

April 

24 

May 

10 

Gaelic, 

March  15 

April 

5 

May 

4 

May 

20 

City  oi  JNew  York,  . . 

March  24 

April 

14 

May 

14 

May 

30 

Belgic, 

April  2 

April 

23 

May 

25 

June 

10 

City  of  Peking,  . . . 

April  12 

May 

3 

June 

3 

June 

19 

San  Pablo 

April  21 

May 

12 

June 

12 

June 

28 

City  of  Sydney,  . , . 

May  3 

May 

24 

June 

22 

July 

8 

Oceanic, 

May  12 

June 

2 

July 

I 

July 

17 

City  of  Rio  de  Janeiro, . 

May  21 

June 

11 

July 

10 

July 

25 

Gaelic, 

May  31 

June 

21 

luly 

20 

Aug. 

s 

City  of  New  York,  . . 

June  1 1 

July 

2 

July 

30 

Aug. 

IS 

Belgic, 

June  21 

July 

12 

Aug. 

10 

Aug. 

26 

City  of  Peking,  . . . 

July  2 

July 

23 

Aug. 

20 

Sept. 

s 

4 


1.  Communications  relating  to  the  missionary  work  in 
Japan,  should  be  addressed  to  Rev.  Thomas  S.  Johnston, 
D.  D.,  Secretary,  Lebanon,  Lebanon  county,  Pennsylvania. 

2.  All  moneys  should  be  remitted  to  Rudolph  F.  Kelker, 
Treasurer,  Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania,  and  should  be  by 
draft,  check,  or  money  order,  payable  to  his  order  as  Treas- 
urer. 

3.  Moneys,  or  articles  of  any  description  designed  for 
the  use  of  a particular  missionary,  must  be  forwarded  by 
the  parties  themselves  who  donate  them,  and  should  not  be 
sent  to  the  Treasurer. 

4.  As  our  mission  is  yet  in  its  infancy,  with  its  plans  not 
fully  matured,  it  is  better  that  all  donations  should  be  un- 
designated, so  that  the  Board  may  apply  them,  as  they  shall 
deem  best  for  the  interests  of  the  cause.  If,  however,  any 
church,  missionary  society,  Sunday-school,  or  individual, 
desires  to  make  a donation,  for  the  education  of  a young 
man  in  Rev.  Hoy’s  theological  class,  or  the  annual  support 
of  a pupil  in  the  Female  Seminary  opened  by  the  Misses 
Poorbaugh  and  Ault,  they  can  do  so,  by  addressing  the 
Secretary,  Rev.  T.  S.  Johnston,  D.  D.,  who  will  correspond 
with  the  missionary  and  obtain  the  name  of  such  beneficiary 
as  the  mission  can  recommend  as  a suitable  person,  and 
also  ascertain  the  expense  to  be  incurred.  All  beneficiary 
students,  or  pupils,  must  be  registered  in  the  books  of  the 
Board,  as  well  as  the  names  of  the  parties  pledging  them- 
selves for  their  annual  support,  payment  of  which  must  be 
forwarded  to  the  Treasurer  semi-annually  in  advance. 


FORM  OF  BEQUEST. 

I hereby  give,  bequeath,  and  devise  unto  “ The  Board  of 
Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions  of  the  Reformed  Church 
in  the  United  States,  incorporated  in  1881,”  {the  sum  of 
dollars,  Ss^ci) 


5 


Extract  from  a Letter 

From  Miss  Mary  B.  Ault  to  F.  F.  Kelker,  dated  at  Sendai, 

September  ij,  1886,  before  the  opening  of  the  Girls' 

School. 

The  American  mail  came  in  yesterday  and  brought  us 
all  good  news.  We  always  feel  glad  when  we  get  the  news 
from  home.  I wish  I could  tell  you  just  how  happy  I am 
in  my  new  home.  I am  now  where  I long  wished  to  be. 
The  work  is  before  us ; the  harvest  is  very  ripe.  What  a 
glorious  work  it  will  be  to  raise  the  women  of  Sendai. 
Oh,  they  need  to  be  raised  from  their  degraded  condition, 
and  to  be  taught  of  Christ.  How  I long  to  do  something 
at  once.  It  seems  so  hard  not  to  be  able  to  use  one’s 
tongue.  We  had  expected  to  open  our  school  on  the  fif- 
teenth, but  did  not  succeed  in  getting  the  papers  through 
the  government.  All  that  is  wanting  now  isthe  Governor’s 
seal.  He  had  company  last  week,  and  so  said  he  could 
not  attend  to  it,  and  this  week  he  went  off  on  a pleasure 
trip.  He  is  expected  back  to-day,  and  we  hope  to  open 
school  on  Monday.  But  we  cannot  be  at  all  sure.  These 
people  are  so  slow  they  do  not  appear  to  have  any  idea  of 
time.  However,  we  must  just  be  patient.  The  slowness 
is  one  of  the  trials  of  the  missionaries  in  this  country. 
I think  we  will  have  a right  good  number  to  start  with. 
We  know  for  sure  of  twelve  girls.  We  had  some  desks 
and  chairs  made,  and  everything  is  now  in  order. 

The  rainy  season  has  set  in  and  everything  is  covered 
with  mold.  One  must  be  brushing  shoes,  and  clothes,  and 
rubbing  books  frequently  to  keep  them  clean. 

Last  week  we  had  a short  excursion.  The  party  con- 
sisted of  several  Japanese,  Mr.  Hoy,  and  ourselves.  We 
left  our  home  at  six  o’clock  in  the  morning,  and  went  in 
jinrikishas  to  Matsushima,  one  of  the  eight  famous  places 
in  Japan.  It  is  distant  from  here  fifteen  miles,  and  is  situ- 
ated on  Sendai  Bay.  This  bay  contains  eight  hundred  and 
eighty-eight  islands.  Arrivingat  the  coast  by  nine  o’clock, 
we  spent  a short  time  in  looking  around  us,  and  then  en- 
tered a “sampaw,”  or  row-boat,  for  one  of  the  islands. 
As  we  drew  near  to  it  I wondered  how  we  would  land,  for 
all  around  us,  far  as  we  could  see,  there  appeared  a solid 
wall  of  rock  rising  ten  or  twelve  feet  above  the  water,  but 


6 


just  then  we  turned  a corner  and  stopped,  and  there  before 
us  was  a flight  of  steps  cut  out  of  what  looked  like  solid 
rock.  We  tied  the  boat  and  climbed  to  the  top  of  the  island, 
and  there  under  some  tall  pine  trees  we  spread  our  table  and 
enjoyed  a hearty  dinner.  Near  by  was  a shrine  in  which 
we  found  an  old  image  in  a very  dilapidated  condition.  A 
short  distance  in  an  opposite  direction  was  a temple ; and 
in  it  an  immense  image.  What  thoughts  filled  my  mind  as 
I stood  and  looked  at  the  hideous  looking  object.  Here 
many  persons  bowed,  and  brought  offerings  to  a block  of 
wood  that  could  never  do  them  any  good.  It  is  indeed 
sad  to  think  of  it. 

After  resting  a while  we  again  got  into  the  boat,  and  had 
the  men  row  us  around  among  the  islands.  About  four 
o’clock  we  went  to  land  and  there  visited  a very  large  tem- 
ple. Of  course,  before  entering,  we  had  to  take  off  our 
shoes.  The  building  is  divided  into  a number  of  rooms, 
in  some  the  floors  are  covered  with  tatami  or  mats,  in  oth- 
ers they  are  highly  polished.  In  every  room  there  was  an 
image  ; the  image  in  the  main  chamber  was  very  fine.  On 
the  altar  were  a number  of  very  large  candle-sticks.  They 
were  of  bronze  overlaid  with  gold,  several  vases  of  brightly 
colored  paper  flowers,  and  some  beautiful  lacquer  trays,  on 
which  money  was  placed  before  the  image.  The  walls  in 
this  room  were  hung  with  real  gold  paper.  In  another 
room  we  saw  some  very  wonderful  pictures,  two  hundred 
and  fifty  years  old.  The  carving  in  the  different  rooms  is 
very  fine,  considering  how  long  ago  it  was  done. 

There  is  a monastery  or  school  for  training  priests  adjoin- 
ing the  temple.  After  seeing  everything,  we  were  invited 
to  go  over.  We  did  so,  and  there  met  a very  old  Chinese 
.priest.  He  asked  if  Miss  Poorbaugh  and  I were  women ; 
so  many  persons  here  say  we  are  men.  After  drinking  a 
cup  of  tea,  we  said  sayonara,  (good-bye,)  and  went  back 
to  the  hotel ; and  after  gathering  up  all  our  traps,  we 
turned  our  faces  homeward.  The  roads  are  always  good  in 
this  country,  and  it  was  a bright  moonlight  night,  so  we 
enjoyed  the  ride  very  much.  The  scenery  along  the  way 
is  very  fine.  I could  not  help  but  wish  that  you  and  Dr. 
Johnston  could  be  here  to  see  things  just  as  they  are. 

We  reached  home  by  eight  o’clock,  tired,  but  all  feeling 
that  we  had  enjoyed  the  day.  We  are  going  to  start  a 


7 


union  English  prayer-meeting  for  the  missionaries  in  Sen- 
dai. I think  it  will  do  us  all  good ; for  you  can  scarcely 
imagine  how  hungry  we  get  for  an  English  service.  We 
will  meet  every  Saturday  everting.  ^ 

Signed,  Mary  B.  Ault. 

o 

Letter  from  Miss  Poorbaugh. 

35  Higashi  Yobancho, 
Sendai,  Japan,  Ocf.  25,  1886. 

Dear  Dr.  Johnston  : Now  that  the  Reformed  Chnrch 
has  at  last  a school  for  girls  in  Japan,  it  is  but  right  that 
our  people  know  something  definite  concerning  it,  and  it 
gives  me  great  pleasure  to  be  able  to  write  an  account  of 
our  work,  which  is  in  such  a promising  condition. 

Our  getting  settled  in  Japan  was  a very  delightful  epi- 
sode in  our  experience  of  life  in  a foreign  country,  and 
thus  far  nothing  has  occurred  to  mar  our  delight.  On  the 
contrary,  our  interest  in  the  people  and  country,  but  espe- 
cially in  the  mission  work  going  forward  around  us,  in- 
crease with  each  new  day. 

We  began  the  second  month  of  our  first  term  of  school 
this  morning;  and  looking  back  over  the  past  month,  we 
have  cause  to  be  much  encouraged  at  the  obvious  fact  that 
the  Lord  is  with  us  in  this  work,  to  bless  and  prosper  our 
efforts  in  belalf  of  the  girls  of  Sendai. 

As  I told  you  before,  we  started  in  a very  humble  way : 
two  small  rooms  and  a little  (very  rude)  furniture  is  all  we 
have  found  necessary  to  our  purpose  at  present,  together 
with  the  books  Mr.  Kelker  sent  us.  Those  books  were  re- 
ceived in  last  week’s  mail,  and  made  glad  the  hearts  of  our 
girls  this  morning.  Up  to  this  time  we  had  been  using 
Swinton’s  first  reader  and  a set  of  charts,  which  I had 
brought  with  me  from  home.  From  these  our  twenty-four 
pupils  are  making  very  satisfactory  progress.  Moreover, 
while  they  are  learning  English,  they  are  also  learning 
that  which  is  of  more  importance  to  them,  viz  : of  re- 
demption through  the  blood  of  Christ. 

When  we  began  with  our  girls  a month  since,  only  four 
were  in  any  way  interested  in  Christianity ; now  all  of 
them  go  regularly  to  the  public  services  at  the  church,  be- 
sides being  interested  students  of  the  Bible,  under  our  di- 


8 


rection,  both  in  school  and  Sunday-school,  and  a number 
are  looking  forward  to  receiving  baptism  some  time  in  the 
near  future. 

While  we  give  them  religious  instruction  every  day,  to- 
gether with  prayer,  the  singing  of  hymns,  and  a very  special 
lesson  every  Friday  with  the  help  of  our  personal  teachers, 
yet  we  miss  the  help  we  might  have  in  pictorial  religious 
books  and  papers  for  them. 

We  have  organized  a Sunday-school  for  them,  and  not 
one  of  them  has  yet  been  absent,  except  in  one  case  of  a 
death  in  the  family  of  one  of  the  girls. 

There  is  one  feature  of  the  school  which  is  particularly 
pleasing.  I refer  to  a class  of  very  little  girls  to  whom 
Miss  Ault  devotes  an  hour  every  day.  They  are,  for  the 
most  part,  children  of  Christian  parents ; and  though  they 
are  small  yet,  we  hope  to  do  very  much  for  them,  as  it  is 
probable  that  we  shall  have  them  eight  or  ten  years.  A 
touching  little  incident  occurred  the  other  morning. 
While  I was  hearing  a very  quiet  recitation  (being  mostly 
written)  there  arose  suddenly,  on  the  other  side  of  the 
paper  walls,  a sound  of  sweet  music — soft,  low,  but  clear 
and  distinct.  I listened,  and  presently  the  words  of  that 
hymn — so  attractive  to  all  children — struck  my  ear: 

“ Little  children  come  to  Jesus, 

Hear  Him  saying  come  to  me.” 

Stepping  to  the  door,  I found  half  a dozen  dusky  little 
maids,  sitting  in  a circle  on  the  floor,  their  eyes  shining 
like  stars,  and  on  their  faces  an  expression  of  purest 
pleasure,  and  my  soul  thanked  the  Lord  that  some  one 
was  bringing  these  little  ones  so  early  to  their  Saviour. 

Every  day  incidents  are  occurring  which  tell  us  more 
and  more  clearly  how  ripe  is  the  harvest ! how  urgent  the 
need  of  more  laborers  ! 

To-day  I carried  a set  of  pictures,  representing  scenes 
from  the  life  of  Christ,  to  our  dining-room,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  some  little  mucilaginous  repairing  they  needed. 
Presently  a little  girl  of  about  thirteen  years  of  age,  who 
has  been  about  us  so  much  that  she  has  learned  to  under- 
stand a little  English,  was  standing  by  my  side  gazing  with 
rapt  attention  upon  the  colored  plates.  As  best  I could, 
I began  the  explanation  of  the  pictures,  and,  as  if  by 
magic,  a circle  of  eager  listeners  was  formed  about  us,  the 


9 


child’s  father,  who  knows  a good  deal  of  English,  but  is 
not  yet  a Christian,  acting  the  part  of  interpreter. 

And  thus  are  we  and  our  teachings  received  wherever 
we  go.  The  testimony  of  all  missionaries  here  is  the 
same,  that  everywhere  the  people  are  waiting  and  eager  to 
hear  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 

This,  now,  is  the  bright  side  of  the  work,  but  there  is 
another  which  oppresses  one  heavily.  Until  one  has  been 
among  the  people  daily  and  seen  for  himself  the  benighted 
state  in  which  this  multitude  of  people  are  living,  it  is  im- 
possible to  have  an  adequate  conception  of  the  utter  deg- 
redation  of  heathenism. 

One  feature  which  forces  itself  upon  us  most  painfully 
in  reference  to  the  children  of  the  nation,  is  the  lack  of 
home  life  for  them.  As  one  passes  along  the  streets  of 
the  city,  all  that  there  is  of  home  for  the  myriads  of  people 
forming  the  lower  strata  of  society  is  visible;  and  oh  ! the 
poverty  and  degradation  that  is  their  portion.  When  we 
say  poverty,  we  mean  not  so  much  a want  of  the  necessa- 
ries of  a physical  life  as  of  a spiritual  and  intellectual. 
Even  among  the  better  classes,  where  there  is  not  the  pub- 
licity ot  life  that  exists  among  the  lower  orders,  one  need 
see  but  little  of  it  to  be  convinced  of  the  impossibility  of 
girls  developing  into  earnest  Christian  women,  in  such 
homes.  Into  these  homes  our  girls  return  after  each  day’s 
instruction.  All  the  morning  we  are  teaching  them,  pray- 
ing with  and  for  them,  and  in  the  afternoon  they  return  to 
homes  where  the  Evil  One  has  the  greatest  opportunity  to 
devour  the  seed  sown  in  the  morning;  and  it  is  so  easy 
to  destroy  spiritual  impressions.  This  makes  us  long  for  a 
day  when,  in  a house  of  our  own,  we  can  keep  the  girls 
away  from  all  adverse  influences.  All  the  girls  we  have  in 
school  at  present,  with  one  or  two  exceptions,  would  be 
only  too  glad  to  have  their  homes  with  us,  if  we  could  ac- 
commodate them. 

We  earnestly  hope  the  church  at  home  will  perceive  the 
urgency  of  this  need,  and  take  measures  at  once  to  erect 
a school  building.  By  the  beginning  of  another  year  it 
ought  to  be  ready  for  us.  May  God  open  the  hearts  of 
His  favored  children  to  a full  appreciation  of  the  wants 
of  their  perishing  brethren  here,  and  move  them  to  a fuller 
exercise  of  that  Christ-like  love  which  will  never  say 


10 


enough  till  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  shall  know  and  con- 
fess Christ  to  be  the  Lord.  Yours  in  Christian  love, 

Lizzie  R.  Poorbaugh. 

0 

Letter  from  Rev.  W.  E.  Hoy. 

Sendai,  Japan,  December  ij,  1886. 

Dear  Father  Kelker  : How  glad  I am  that  you  re- 
ceived the  silver  coin.  May  the  good  Lord  bless  it  and 
increase  its  value  many  hundredfold,  as  you  show  it  to 
your  friends.  The  name  of  the  widow  is  Chika  Kami, 
She  gave  the  money  to  Mr.  Oshikawa,  the  pastor  of  Sendai 
church,  and  I bought  the  coins  from  him. 

I will  name  our  theological  boys  in  the  order  of  their 
promise:  i.  Shimanuki,  2.  Matsuta,  3.  Tamura,  4.  Abe, 
5.  Hayasaka,  6.  Hashimoto,  7.  Suzuki.  The  last  men- 
tioned one  is  self-supporting.  Mr.  Shimanuki  is  already 
worth  more  than  I have  paid  for  all  of  them.  His  progress 
is  cheering.  Miss  Mary  B.  Ault  very  kindly  teaches  these 
young  men  the  rudiments  of  music. 

On  December  i,  I rounded  my  first  year  of  Japan,  and 
on  this  anniversary  I finished  my  first  sermon  in  Japanese. 
Up  to  that  date  I had  also  written  a Japanese  prayer,  and 
made  some  translations.  Though  greatly  encouraged,  I 
feel,  of  course,  that  I have  but  a mere  beginning  in  this 
difficult  language. 

Yesterday  I administered  the  Lord’s  Supper,  and  preach- 
ed my  first  sermon  in  the  Japanese  language.  I am  happy. 
I thank  God  for  this  privilege  of  serving  Him  in  a strange 
country,  and  in  a strange  tongue.  I have  a good  begin- 
ning in  the  language,  but  that  is  all.  Years,  and  years 
alone,  of  hard  study  can  bring  one  a full  linquistic  fluency 
and  efficiency.  But  I am  grateful  for  what  I already  have. 
I love  this  study.  Some  of  the  native  Christians  think  the 
Holy  Spirit  is  aiding  me  in  my  studies.  At  any  rate  I need 
not  be  discouraged. 

Miss  Poorbaugh  and  Miss  Ault’s  school  is  moving  on 
nicely.  I pray  God  that  the  Board  may  see  the  way  open 
to  supply  tire  needs  of  the  ladies.  If  you  value  the  health 
of  the  ladies,  if  you  desire  to  relieve  them  from  unnecessary 
care  and  worry,  if  you  love  God,  and  souls,  and  pure  wo- 
manhood, then,  as  a Board,  for  God’s  sake,  and  for  wo- 


11 


man’s  sake,  let  this  girl’s  school  grow  as  rapidly  as  possi- 
"ble.  Make  great  sacrifices,  if  necessary,  for  it.  The  call 
Is  Divine.  We  must  hear. 

Oh,  that  we  had  more  men  ! The  longer  I am  here,  the 
more  I do  and  learn  ; the  more  I learn  to  see  what  the 
-worth  of  a soul  is  ; the  louder  comes  the  call.  Our  church 
Is  losing  an  untold  blessing  by  her  slowness.  We  are  not 
impatient.  We  only  see,  and  hear,  and  feel.  God  help  ! 
**#*«•**» 

Yours  in  the  Lord,  W.  E.  Hoy. 

- Sendai,  Japan,  Dec.  14,  1886. 

Dear  Doctor  Johnson  : On  December  ist,  I rounded 
the  first  year  of  my  missionary  life  in  Japan,  and  on  this 
anniversary  I completed  my  first  sermon  in  the  Japanese 
language.  Last  Sunday,  December  12th,  I was  down  in 
Iwanuma,  a town  thirteen  miles  from  Sendai,  and  ad- 
ministered the  Lord’s  Supper  to  the  thirty-seven  Christians 
there,  and  preached  my  first  Japanese  sermon.  There 
was,  of  course,  a quiet  joy.  The  Christians  said  that  the 
Holy  Spirit  must  have  been  present  in  my  thought  and 
study.  A little  service  in  a strange  tongue  brings  one 
nearer  to  the  Father. 

As  a natural  thing,  encouragement  dwelleth  in  mind 
and  heart.  But  elation  has  not  arisen.  Difficulties  of 
.pronunciation  and  construction  come  in  upon  one  con- 
stantly and  keep  him  humble.  I feel  like  a child  climb- 
ing a steep  mountain  side,  if,  haply,  some  day  the  summit 
may  be  reached,  and  a flower  that  was  born  nearer  the 
rising  sun  be  gathered.  Language,  in  its  depth,  is  a life 
work.  One  year’s  toil,  labor  with  what  zeal  you  will,  is 
but  a stepping-stone  before  the  temple  of  the  foreign  mind. 
To  gain  entrance  into  the  holy  of  holies  requires  many 
years  of  training  for  the  linguistic  priesthood.  But  even 
from  the  outer  court  the  truth  eternal  may  be  proclaimed. 

Nor  need  one  be  ashamed  to  walk  along  the  corridors 
■of  the  Word-King’s  palace,  and  see  the  imperial  life  within 
the  stately  apartments ; for  some  day  the  touch  of  knight- 
hood may  confer  royal  privileges.  For  the  present,  Ich 
Dien  is  the  only  title. 

’Tis  enough.  The  taste  of  language  makes  the  blood 
run  young;  and  the  life  of  words  addeth  flesh  unto  one’s 
mental  bones.  So  let  it  be.  Yours  sincerely, 

W.  E.  Hoy. 


12 


Sendai,  Japan,  November  1886. 

Dear  Doctor  Johnston  : Our  missionary  field  here  im 
the  North  is  known  as  the  Miyagi  Chukwai.  A Chukwai 
corresponds  to  our  Classis  at  home.  Last  week  we  held  au 
meeting.  Tuesday  and  Wednesday  were  occupied  by  bus- 
iness. Reports  from  the  churches  were  read,  and  measures- 
adopted  for  our  work  in  the  future.  Two  men,  Mr.  San-- 
nomiya  and  Mr.  Ikai,  were  examined  and  licensed  ta 
preach  as  evangelists.  Mr.  Fujiu  was  examined  for  ordi- 
nation. The  first  two  men  answered  nearly  all  my  ques- 
tions in  the  examination.  Mr.  Fujiu  answered  promptly 
and  correctly.  He  is  a bright  young  man.  He  studied 
theology  in  Yokohoma.  For  several  years  he  was  con- 
nected with  the  publication  of  a newspaper.  Last  spring, 
in  answer  to  a strong  appeal  from  us,  he  came  to  our  as- 
sistance, and  began  to  work  at  Fukushima.  He  had  also- 
at  the  same  time  an  offer  from  the  Japanese  government  to 
visit  Germany,  England,  and  America  on  official  business, 
at  a salary  of  eighty  dollars  a month,  and  all  expenses  paid. 
This  was  a temptation  to  him,  but  he  took  the  matter  to- 
the  Lord,  and  was  led  to  accept  our  call  at  a very  low  sal- 
ary. He  is  happy  now.  On  Wednesday  evening  Mr.  Os- 
hikawa  and  I,  by  the  solemn  laying  on  of  hands,  consecra- 
ted this  earnest  young  soul  to  the  service  of  Christ. 

On  Thursday  afternoon  and  evening  public  lectures  oir 
Christianity  were  delivered  in  one  of  the  theaters  of  Sendai.. 
About  three  hundred  persons  attended  in  the  afternoon. 
The  audience  in  the  evening  swelled  to  fifteen  hundred. 
The  attention  was  good,  and  happy  fruits  may  follow. 

On  Saturday  the  Christians  and  the  missionaries  of  Sen- 
dai passed  the  time  in  a public  garden,  on  a hill  south  ofi 
the  city.  The  social  feeling  ran  high. 

Here  is  a list  of  the  churches  and  their  members  : 


*Sendai 196 

Iwanuma, 37' 

Hakodate,  , . . .^ 52 

Ishinomaki 25 

Fumkawa, 211 

Fukushima, 13 

Total,  344 


*Self-supporting,  and  liberal  in  giving. 

The  addition  to  the  church  in  Sendai  since  the  first  of' 


13 


May,  is  thirty-five.  Those  of  Fukushima  are  the  direct 
fruit  of  our  mission  moving  to  Sendai.  Some  of  the  souls 
added  to  the  list  in  Sendai  were  influenced  by  us.  Natives 
and  foreigners  are  working  together  for  the  prosperity  of 
these  churches.  The  Christians  of  the  Sendai  church,  in- 
fluenced by  somej  suggestions  made  them,  have  organized 
for  systematic  work  in  the  city.  Six  Sunday-schools  are 
being  opened,  and  two  new  preaching  places.  The  work 
moves. 

Mr.  Yoshida,  Mr.  Sugeta,  Mr.  Hitome,  Mr.  Sannomiya, 
and  Mr.  Ikai,  are  the  licensed  evangelists,  unordained. 
Rev.  Oshikawa,  Rev.  Fujiu,  and  Rev.  Hoy,  are  the  or- 
dained ministers.  We  number  eight — a hopeful,  happy 
band.  Our  lines  have  fallen  in  pleasant  places. 

Chukwai  will  petition  our  Board,  and  our  church  for 
two  new  missionary  fajiiilies.  What  will  the  answer  be? 
What  should  it  be?  Who  will  be  the  next? 

And  to-morrow  I will  visit  the  thirty-seven  Christians  at 
Iwanuma.  I hope  to  spend  the  following  Sabbath  with 
them.  I go  with  Mr.  Yoshida. 

Souls  are  being  saved.  The  hope  of  the  native  brethren 
and  of  the  missionaries  rises  in  faith. 

Yours  sincerely,  W.  E.  Hoy. 

Extract  from  a Letter  from  Rev.  A.  D.  Gring. 

Tokio,  Deceviber  ji,  1886. 

Dear  Doctor  Johnson  : In  my  last,  I promised  to  tell 
you  what  I saw  and  heard  during  my  visit  in  Sendai.  We 
left  Tokio  at  noon  on  the  17th  of  November,  and  arrived 
in  Sendai  stronger  than  when  we  started  on  the  evening  of 
the  20th.  Landing  at  the  stage  depot,  we  were  soon  seat- 
ed in  jinrikishas,  ready  to  proceed  to  the  house  of  the  la- 
dies. A few  moments  and  we  were  at  the  outside  door  of 
the  large  court-yard,  where  we  were  welcomed  by  Miss 
Poorbaugh  and  Miss  Ault  and  Kittie,  ^d  our  dear  brother 
Hoy,  who  had  just  come  from  home  to  meet  us  at  the 
home  of  our  dear  ladies.  We  were  all  glad  to  see  each 
other  again.  Since  we  had  last  met,  we  had  passed 
through  that'  terrible  scourge,  the  cholera,  that  swept  over 
a great  portion  of  Japan,  carrying  off  some  forty  thousand 
people.  In  Tokio  alone  the  daily  death  rate  reached  as 


14 


nigh  as  three  hundred  to  four  hundred.  For  a while  we 
felt  comparatively  secure  in  the  foreign  settlement  on  ac- 
count of  our  being  able  to  look  after  our  houses  and  drink- 
ing water;  but  a few  weeks  after  my  return  from  Sendai, 
we  (Mrs.  Gring,  Brainerd,  and  myself)  were  taken  with  the 
dreadful  disease.  By  the  close  attention  of  the  physician, 
and  by  the  kind  hand  of  Providence,  we  were  all,  in  four 
or  five  days,  restored  to  our  usual  health.  We  all  felt  as 
though  our -lives  were  given  back  to  us;  and,  oh!  so 
thankful  were  we.  Terrible  were  those  days  of  suspense. 
I was  taken  first,  and  barely  recovered  sufficiently  to  wait 
on  the  rest.  Two  of  our  friends,  who  were  waiting  on 
Mrs.  Gring,  were  both  taken,  and  barely  escaped  with 
their  lives.  A number  of  the  missionaries  were  taken  ill, 
and  for  several  weeks  a dark  and  heavy  cloud  hung  over 
the  spirits  of  the  dwellers  of  our  little  community.  A few 
foreigners  did  die,  but  none  of  the  missionary  community. 

This  fact  made  our  meeting  in  Sendai  delightful  to  us, 
^nd  our  visit  there  especially  interesting.  We  found  the 
ladies  well  and  in  excellent  spirits,  and  Brother  Hoy  as  full 
of  hope  and  zeal  as  ever.  How  very  nice  it  was  to  sit  down 
to  that  evening  meal  in  that  cosy  dining-room — all  happy 
and  well.  Three  or  four  days  eating  from  the  floor,  with 
Japanese  food,  with  Japanese  chop-sticks  (two  straight 
sticks  used  to  eat  with,  in  place  of  knives  and  forks)  is  quite 
sufficient  to  enable  one  to  relish  a foreign  meal  again. 
Japanese  soups  are  good,  their  cold  and  warm  fish  excellent, 
and  their  rice  nicely  cooked ; but,  after  all,  the  old  is  best. 
For  a little  while  it  is  well- enough  to  do  as  the  natives  do, 
but  can’t  do  it  long.  We  are  a meat  and  bread-eating  race. 

The  meal  being  over,  a little  chat  and  evening  worship, 
my  second  son,  Brainerd,  and  myself  accompanied  Brother 
Hoy  to  his  home,  but  three  minutes  walk  around  the  cor- 
ner, and  to  which  Brother  Hoy  had  removed  since  I last 
saw  him. 

Our  stay,  of  t-wo  weeks  and  a-half,  was  exceedingly 
pleasant,  and  I cannot  but  think  very  profitable.  The  la- 
dies, of  course,  were  busy  with  their  school,  which  I found 
in  a very  encouraging  condition.  Brother  Hoy  I found 
as  regular  and  busy  as  ever  in  acquiring  the  language  and 
in  the  evangelistic  training-school  and  other  duties  belong- 
ing to  a missionary.  The  earnestness  and  love  for  the 


15 


work,  which  I saw  in  all  of  these  faithful  missionaries,  en- 
couraged me  greatly ; and,  what  is  still  more,  they  have 
taken  in  the  situation,  and  are  working  as  laborers  inspired 
by  the  great  harvest  before  them. 

Before  our  arrival  in  Sendai,  and  during  our  stay  there, 
the  Church  was  deeply  moved  to  new  fervor  and  zeal. 
Daily  early  morning  prayer-meetings  were  held,  and  many 
were  truly  benefited  by  them.  On  the  first  Sunday  of  De- 
cember, I baptized  seven  persons — one,  the  vice-president 
of  the  local  assembly  in  Sendai.  I also  administered  com- 
munion to  the  assembled  congregation  with  much  joy  and 
spiritual  benefit  to  my  own  soul.  Brother  Oshikawa,  a 
very  earnest,  spiritual  and  able  native  minister,  who  had 
just  returned  from  a visit  to  one  of  the  large  towns  or 
cities  within  our  territory,  made  a very  earnest  appeal  to 
his  church  people  to  give  themselves  a living  sacrifice  to 
God.  He  also  urged  upon  them  the  necessity  of  their  go- 
ing on  with  their  proposed  church  building,  in  which  they 
might  worship  God  more  acceptably.  He  gave  them  an 
instance  of  a church  in  one  of  the  towns  that  was  largely 
built  by  the  effort  of  a few  students.  He  told  them, 
among  other  things,  that  if  they  had  no  money,  but  had 
two  coats,  they  should  sell  the  one  and  give  the  proceeds 
to  the  Church.  As  he  sat  down,  a man,  comparatively 
poor,  handed  in  his  name  for  twenty-five  dollars  for  the 
church. 

Our  ladies  have  in  their  own  house  both  a Japanese  and 
an  English  Sunday-school.  The  members  of  the  Japanese 
department  are  girls  mainly  from  their  school.  The  Eng- 
lish school  is  composed  almost  entirely  of  foreigners  and 
their  children,  who  are  taught  by  Miss  Ault,  while  the 
studies  of  the  older  portion  are  led  by  Brother  Hoy.  If  I 
remember  rightly,  the  Church  has  organized  six  Sunday- 
schools  throughout  the  city,  where  also  there  is  preaching. 
At  one  of  these,  I was  asked  to  teach  a class  of  twenty 
boys  the  rudiments  of  English  at  night,  during  my  stay, 
which  I was  happy  to  do,  and  which  I also  enjoyed. 

One  beautiful  morning,  my  son  Brainerd  and  myself, 
visited  the  ladies  school,  during  session.  The  little  rooms 
were  filled  with  tables,  benches  and  pupils.  There  was 
scarcely  room  to  turn.  Instead  of  stoves,  there  were  char- 
coal fire  boxes  on  the  floor;  instead  of  windows,  there 


16 


were  rice  paper  shofis  (sliding  doors)  which  gave  but  a fee- 
ble light.  I was  pleased  with  the  appearance  of  the  pupils^ 
and  also  with  the  mode  of  teaching.  • I thought  in  looking 
at  our  two  excellent  leaders,  and  the  nice  company  of  girls- 
before  me,  what  doth  hinder  us  having  a hundred  or  a 
hundred  and  fifty  such  girls?  We  should  have  a nice  lot 
of  ground  in  a good  part  of  the  city,  which  can  easily  be 
had;  a large  and  substantial  school-building,  with  proper 
recitation-rooms,  good  light,  and  improved  furnishings;  a 
dormitory  large  enough  to  accommodate  at  least  seventy- 
five  pupils.  We  have  two  amply  qualified  teachers  and  a 
nucleus  of  some  forty-one  girls,  an  excellent  beginning  in 
the  northern  Tokio  of  Japan,  with  large  out-lying  cities 
and  towns,  where  we  now  have,  and  hope  to  have  more 
churches  established,  which  will  feed  our  schools.  The 
Church  has  sent  out  as  well  qualified  teachers  as  I know  of,, 
among  the  lady  missionary  teachers  of  Japan,  and  now 
these  ladies  should  have  the  proper  apparatus  by  which  to 
use  their  gifts  to  the  best  advantage.  This  promptly  given, 
will  soon  secure  from  the  citizens  of  Sendai  and  neighbor- 
hood a confidence  which  will  insure  their  hearty  co-opera- 
tion, and  thus  we  shall  be  able  in  a few  years  to  establish 
the  largest  and  most  influential  ladies’  seminary  in  all 
north  Japan.  We  are  the  first  in  the  field,  and  have  every 
means  of  success,  provided  the  Church  at  home  gives  the 
proper  and  timely  aid. 

On  another  afternoon  I accompanied  Brother  Hoy  to  the 
Evangelistic  Training  School  of  Sendai.  We  started  off  to. 
walk  there.  As  we  walked  Brother  Hoy  occasionally  apolo- 
gized for  it  being  so  far  out,  in  so  an  obscure  part  of  the 
city,  by  reminding  me  that  Rome  was  not  built  in  a day, 
and  that  many  of  the  most  influential  men  and  cities  of 
the  world  rose  from  obscurity.  Yes,  yes,  I thought.  Christ 
was  born  in  Bethlehem,  and  the  small  Jewish  nation  the 
greatest  people  in  the  world.  But  it  was  not  to  imitate 
Christ  or  Rome  or  the  Jewish  people  that  the  Evangelistic 
School  of  Sendai  was  opened  in  so  obscure  a part  of  the 
city,  but  to  save  rent.  I think  Brother  Hoy  told  me  they 
paid  $3  50  per  month  rent.  Seven  good  young  men  were 
in  attendance.  These  were  taught  English  the  first  hour, 
followed  by  an  exposition  of  the  Gospel  of  John  interpreted 
by  Brother  Oshikawa.  After  this  Brother  Oshikawa  gave 


17 


them  several  hours  from  Japanese  text-books  prepared  for 
seminary  students.  Here  again,  I was  most  favorably  im- 
pressed, and  saw  in  these  few  young  men  and  two  profes- 
sors, a mighty  power  in  the  hands  of  Almighty  God  for 
good.  Here  again  I was  constrained  to  ask  the  question, 
what  doth  hinder  us  from  making  this  very  hopeful,  though 
small  Evangelistic  Training  School,  the  largest  and  most 
influential  Theological  Seminary  in  all  northern  Japan, 
where  our  young  men  called  to  the  ministry  may  be  prop- 
erly equipped  for  their  great  work?  Nothing  is  required  but  a 
modest  little  building  with  recitation-rooms,  properly,  but 
humbly,  fitted  up,  and  a dormitory  to  accommodate  about 
thirty  students  and  located  more  centrally.  With  this  we 
should  have  a benificiary  fund  to  aid  poor,  but  worthy 
young  men.  Five  dollars  a month  or  sixty  dollars  a year 
will  be  quite  sufficient  aid  for  a single  student.  If  we  had 
a thousand  dollars  a year  for  this  work,  we  should  soon 
nave  in  the  field,  men,  as  well  and  in  many  respects  better 
qualified  to  do  evangelistic  work  among  the  people  now, 
than  those  who  are  educated  at  much  greater  cost,  abroad. 
Our  hope  is  in  our  native  young  men  whom  we  can  train 
for  the  ministry.  These  are  to  take  the  largest  part  of  the 
evangelization  of  Japan.  These  must  be  educated  in  this 
land,  that  they  may  not  be  above  and  beyond  the  means  of 
the  people  in  their  requirem'ents.  If  we  had  the  means  and 
the  men  prepared,  we  could  at  this  time  employ  twenty 
men  and  more,  to  the  eternal  salvation  of  many  souls,  and 
to  the  great  glory  of  our  Lord.  By  next  year  we  hope  to 
have  at  least  fifteen  or  twenty  young  men  in  this  school. 
JVt'N  not  so7ne  one  supply  the  necessary  aid  ? 

It  is  impossible  to  say  now  what  all  I saw  and  heard  dur- 
ing our  stay  of  nearly  three  weeks  in  Sendai.  I can  only 
say  that  the  more  I see  and  hear  of  the  field  given  to  our 
mission  to  till  for  the  Lord,  the  more  I am  impressed  with 
its  magnitude  and  grandeur,  and  of  our  responsibility  as 
touching  the  salvation  of  many  thousands  of  these  people. 
My  hope  is  in  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  whom  we  continu- 
ally entreat  to  send  forth  more  laborers  into  the  field.  We 
feel  confident  that  the  Lord  has  those  in  our  Church  by 
whom  He  will  send  forth  these  much  prayed  for  laborers. 
Our  only  desire  is  that  the  people  should  come  to  feel  the 
throb  of  our  work  there,  and  we  feel  sure  that  she  will  re- 


18 


spond  to  it.  Never,  certainly,  in  the  history  of  our 
Church  has  there  been  so  fine  a heathen  field  of  labor  lit- 
erally thrust  upon  us.  The  eyes  of  these  people  are  upon 
us,  and  the  eyes  of  our  sister  Churches,  too,  are  upon  us. 
They  all  congratulate  us  on  our  field,  and  among  the 
younger  missions,  certainly  none  are  so  highly  favored. 
We  work  now  within  a large  territory — not  within  crevices. 
Our  field  is  inspiring,  and  worthy  of  our  strong  and  influ- 
ential Church.  Since  our  coming  to  Japan,  I have  longed 
for  a territory  for  our  mission  to  work  in,  in  which  we 
could  have  our  schools  and  seminary  and  churches.  This, 
by  the  grace  of  God  for  our  great  encouragement,  is  given 
us ; now  let  us  till  it  for  the  Lord  with  all  our  strength. 

Let  me  show  you  by  the  statistical  report  of  last  year 
sent  me  by  Brother  Hoy  what  I mean  by  our  great  work 
in  the  North : 

Number  of  members  reported  at  meeting  of  Classis  : 


Names  of  Churches. 

Men. 

Women 

Sendai, 

• . 

67 

Iwanuma, 

■ • 33 

4 

Ishinomaki,  . . . . 

3 

Fumkawa, 

. . 14 

6 

Hakodate 

• ■ 31 

17 

Fukushima, 

. . 12 

I 

Children. 

2 


I 

4 


Total, 239  98 

Number  of  members  received  during  year: 


Names  of  Churches.  Men. 

Sendai, 22 

Iwanuma, 13 

Ishinomaki, 5 

Fumkawa, 7 

Fukushima, 12 


7 


Women. 

12 

2 


I 


Total, 59  IS 

Contributions  during  the  year  for  all  purposes : Sendai, 
$529  ii;  Ishinomaki,  ^35  75;  Iwanuma,  ^113  73;  Fum- 
kawa, ^60  00;  Hakodate,  ^436  55;  Total,  ;^i,i75  55. 

Number  of  pupils  in  Sendai  Girl’s  School,  41;  Sendai 
Evangelistic  School,  9 ; Evangelists  at  work,  5 ; Minis- 
ters, 3. 

This  little  table  will  give  a good  idea  of  the  work. 
Since  the  meeting  of  Classis,  a number  have  been  received. 


r 


19 

You  see  also  that  these  people  are  doing  something  for 
themselves,  and  are  specially  worthy  of  help.  They  have 
become  our  people,  and  we  must  provide  them  the  Gospel. 
Let  the  Church  now  -come  forward  with  her  gifts  and  offer 
them  to  the  Lord  for  His  great  work. 

Our  visit  being  ended  in  Sendai,  we  left  on  Wednesday 
morning.  The  ride  home  was  delightful.  We  arrived 
Friday  noon.  We  praise  the  Lord  for  His  care  over  us, 
and  we  pray  that  by  these  poor  descriptions  of  our  visit, 
both  the  people  in  Northern  Japan  and  our  Church  in 
America  may  be  equally  blessed.  Yours  in  Christ. 

A.  D.  Gring. 


■■■.■■  'M 


'-'•/  1“'  ' ..:>■  v.Oi 

' '..I  tliX'  • 

■ ' a-  /'.■■■  . ' 


\ 


■ '■  'N 

h. 


